Bush Elementary School

Spirits are Flying High

JHS Students Learn Real-Life Skills at Technology Academy

“I enjoy working on projects with my hands and learn easier when it is a visual experience,” said Jamestown High School junior, Caleb Mattson, who is taking Digital Electronics from Chris Jewell. He has already taken Electricity and Electronics as a prerequisite course. “I like welding and electrical projects, such as helping to wire my house, and it could be a good career choice for me. Classes like the ones at the Tech Academy are hands-on and interactive which is just more interesting for me. And the class also counts as a math credit.”

Caleb was following step-by-step instructions to put together an AM/FM radio and testing components while fellow students were working on household wiring. The students were taking Electricity and Electronics and Digital Electronics, which are just two courses offered at the Raymond J. Fashano Technology Academy. The Electricity and Electronics curriculum covers all of the critical topics associated with electrical and electronic circuits and the devices that control them including house wiring based on the National Electrical code (NEC). Students in the Electrical/Electronic classes study electrical and dig electronic theory along with the national electrical code. Students learn to read wiring plans and electrical schematic diagrams. Students wire up and troubleshoot electrical circuit breaker panels, single pole switches, receptacles, three-way switching, four-way switching and motor controls. Students who excel in the course may wish to pursue entry-level jobs as technicians, go on to trade school for certification as an electrician, or pursue a collage degree in electrical or electronics engineering.

Mr. Jewell also teaches Computer Architecture, which provides the foundation to facilitate installation implementation, maintenance and documentation of a variety of computer technologies. The course is with Comp TIA A+ certification guidelines. The course also covers history of computers, hardware, peripherals, operating systems, Windows driver installation, and basic network systems.

“Students who excel in the course may wish to pursue schools for certification as computer technicians, computer science or computer engineering,” said Mr. Jewell. “The course is also excellent for the student who wishes to troubleshoot, up grade, or build there own personal or gaming computers.”

JHS teacher Scott Van Stee teaches Manufacturing Technology I and II. Manufacturing Technology I is the application process of what students have learned in science and math, along with new STEM activities and concepts. He teaches CNC (Mill & Lathe) programming, CAD, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, electronics/electricity, mechanical concepts and quality control. Students perform experiments and manufacture products using various, real-world computerized machinery. They take their previous knowledge from math and science along with new STEM concepts and use them to manufacture products out of various materials. They also assemble circuits in electricity, hydraulics and pneumatics, showing power and mechanical advantage. Quality control helps them understand tolerance and measurements using micrometers and calipers.

“All of these processes are used everyday in the plants and facilities that are here in Jamestown. It is real-world experience in a classroom setting,” said Mr. VanStee. “These classes are important as to give students, hands-on experience with real-world applications. Students will learn the basic knowledge of terms, processes and outcomes in a structured learning environment where they are free to ask questions and make mistakes. This helps students to fully understand what the manufacturing world does and how they may be an intrical part of the future world of work.”

JHS Tech Academy classes prepare students for further education in technology schools, college and universities and apprentice programs. The classes can also help students decide on a career, give them an incentive to graduate, and create an interest in Career/Technical Education (CTE) classes.

“I love doing hands-on activities in class,” said JHS junior Gavyn Haskins, who is currently taking Manufacturing Technology II. “I enjoy working with machines and I think if kids are interested in these areas, the Tech Academy gives them an opportunity to try it out while still in high school.”